Make your holidays merry, bright, and water-wise

Updated November 25, 2024

The holiday season is here, bringing festive gatherings, family dinners, and endless opportunities to create joyful memories. It’s also the perfect time to sprinkle in some water-saving habits that are as practical as they are good for the environment. Check out these simple tips to make your celebrations merry and water-smart!

  • Give your sprinklers a break: Turn off your sprinklers this winter, but if the weather stays dry, remember to water your trees. Healthy trees mean a greener spring!
  • Make the most of dish duty: Hosting a crowd? Skip the handwashing and let your dishwasher do the heavy lifting. It saves water and gives you more time with your guests. Do you only need to wash a few items by hand? Soak pots and pans before scrubbing, and use a two-basin method for washing and rinsing.
  • Set out a pitcher: Instead of pouring water for each guest, place a pitcher on the table and let everyone serve themselves. Any leftovers can hydrate your houseplants!
  • Keep showers short and sweet: A house full of guests doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing water use. Encourage quick showers by creating a five-minute playlist of holiday tunes like Jingle Bell Rock or Winter Wonderland. When the music ends, so does the shower!
  • Scrape, don’t rinse: Scrape food scraps into the trash instead of flushing them down the garbage disposal. It’s a simple step that’s better for your pipes and the planet.
  • Give the gift of water efficiency: For a unique gift option, consider a high-efficiency showerhead, a sleek low-flow toilet, or a smart sprinkler timer. Many products with the WaterSense label qualify for rebates, so check with your local water provider to save money while saving water.

Stay jolly, stay water-wise!

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